Tag: statistics

Int Ophthalmol. 2022 Jul 17. doi: 10.1007/s10792-022-02422-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess choroidal thickness in patients with lipoid proteinosis versus healthy subjects using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography.

METHODS: Twenty eyes of 20 patients and the same number of age and sex-matched healthy individuals were enrolled. Comprehensive ocular examinations including measurement of best-corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent values of refractive errors, and axial length were performed. Choroidal thickness at three points (subfoveal, 500 µm nasal and temporal regions) were measured automatically using MATLAB software.

RESULTS: The mean age was 15.68 ± 5.98 years in the patient group and 16.48 ± 5.69 years in the control group. Mean choroidal thickness was statistically significantly thicker at each point in patients with lipoid proteinosis compared to the healthy controls: subfoveal, temporal and nasal choroidal thickness measurements were 425.65 ± 51.42, 380.20 ± 69.66, 334.05 ± 49.98 µm in the study group; 346.15 ± 47.76, 330.15 ± 44.35, 298.95 ± 44.21 µm in the control group, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Patients with lipoid proteinosis have thicker choroid compared to control eyes. Hyalin deposition and ensuing potential inflammation in the disease process may explain this finding.

PMID:35842887 | DOI:10.1007/s10792-022-02422-2

Mol Divers. 2022 Jul 17. doi: 10.1007/s11030-022-10495-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) or sleeping sickness is a protozoan neglected tropical disease, which is the main health worry in more than 20 countries in Africa. A novel approach is presented to predict the antitrypanosomal activity of sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) in terms of biological activity (pIC₅₀). The largest reported data set of pIC₅₀ for Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (Tbr) as one form of HAT are used to derive and test the new model. The new model is based on five additive and two non-additive molecular structural parameters in several frameworks where it can be easily applied through a computer code. It is derived and tested based on 125 and 31 experimental data, respectively, with different types of statistical parameters. The high reliability of the novel model is compared with the best available QSAR models, which use “classical” molecular descriptors, and 3D pharmacophore features. The values of R² (correlation coefficient), root mean squared error (RMSE), and RMSEP (root mean square error of prediction) of the new model are 0.77, 0.38, and 0.35, respectively. Meanwhile, R², RMSE, and RMSEP of comparative QSAR models based on complex descriptors are in the ranges 0.71-76, 0.46-0.4, and 0.51-0.44, respectively. The predictive results of the novel approach confirm its high simplicity, reliability, precision, accuracy, and goodness-of-fit.

PMID:35842884 | DOI:10.1007/s11030-022-10495-5

Metabolomics. 2022 Jul 16;18(8):54. doi: 10.1007/s11306-022-01908-5.

ABSTRACT

The global population is aging. Preserving function and independence of our aging population is paramount. A key component to maintaining independence is the preservation of cognitive function. Metabolomics can be used to identify biomarkers of cognition before noticeable deterioration. Our study investigated the plasma metabolome of 332 community-living New Zealanders between 65 and 74 years of age, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Six cognitive domains were assessed. Of the 123 metabolites identified using an in-house mass spectral libraries of standards, nervonic acid had a significant, inverse association with the attention domain (P-value = 1.52E^{– 4}; FDR = 0.019), after adjusting for covariates (apolipoprotein E -ε4 genotype, sex, body fat percentage (standardised by sex), age, education, deprivation index, physical activity, metabolic syndrome, polypharmacy, smoking status, and alcohol intake) and multiple testing. Attention is defined as the ability to concentrate on selected aspects of the environment while ignoring other stimuli. This is the first study to identify nervonic acid as a potential biomarker of attention in older adults. Future research should confirm this association in a longitudinal study.

PMID:35842880 | DOI:10.1007/s11306-022-01908-5

Pediatr Surg Int. 2022 Jul 17. doi: 10.1007/s00383-022-05175-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Pilonidal Disease (PD) affects adolescents in different aspects. We hypothesized that patients with different gender, ethnicity, and age have different quality of life (QOL) measurements which could improve with minimally invasive treatment (MIT).

METHODS: 131 PD patients underwent MIT (laser epilation ± trephination) from 2019 to 2021. Patients’ demographics were recorded. Before and after MIT, patients received QOL questionnaire consisting of four categories: daily activities, sports participation, school/work attendance, and socializing. Data were analyzed using Student and multivariate t test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: 101 (51 male, 50 female) patients were included. 30 patients with incomplete data were excluded. 54% of patients were < 18 years old. 47.5% were Hispanic. Median symptom duration prior to presentation was 5.4 (1.3-15) months. Prior to MIT, patients’ ability to perform daily activities, participate in sports, attend school/work, and socialize was moderately or severely impacted in 66%, 57%, 45%, and 23% of respondents, respectively; after MIT, only 7%, 8%, 2%, and 4% were affected (p < 0.01). Recurrence rate was 6%. Pre-MIT, older patients and non-Hispanics reported worse impact on their QOL. Symptom duration or PD recurrence did not correlate with patient’s pre- or post-MIT QOL.

CONCLUSION: Patients’ ethnicity and age impacted QOL in PD. All patients’ QOL significantly improved with MIT. Considering the importance of socializing, playing sports, and school/work attendance in adolescents, our study highlights importance of early treatment of PD.

PMID:35842877 | DOI:10.1007/s00383-022-05175-2

Arch Microbiol. 2022 Jul 17;204(8):495. doi: 10.1007/s00203-022-02916-8.

ABSTRACT

The microbial diversity in the Indian caves is inadequately characterized. This study reports on the culturable microbial communities in caves from the Indian sub-continent. This study aims to expand the current understanding of bacterial diversity in the speleothems and wall deposits from Krem Soitan, Krem Lawbah, Krem Mawpun in Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India. A culture-dependent approach was employed for elucidating the community structure in the caves using MALDI-TOF spectrometry and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A high bacterial diversity and a greater bacterial taxonomic diversity is reported using MALDI-TOF spectrometry and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. High microbial enumerations were observed on dilute nutrient agar (5.3 × 10³ to 8.8 × 10⁵) followed by M9 minimal medium (4 × 10⁴ to 1.7 × 10⁵) and R2A medium (1.0 × 10⁴ to 5.7 × 10⁵). A total of 826 bacterial isolates were selected and preserved for the study. 295 bacterial isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF spectrometry and the isolates which showed no reliable peaks were further identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total 91% of the bacterial diversity was dominated by Proteobacteria (61%) and Actinobacteria (30%). In addition, bacterial phyla include Firmicutes (7.45%), Deinococcus-Thermus (0.33%) and Bacteroidetes (0.67%) were found in the samples. At the genus level, Pseudomonas (55%) and Arthrobacter (23%) were ubiquitous followed by Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Brevundimonas, Deinococcus, Flavobacterium, Paenibacillus, Pseudarthrobacter. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the bacterial genera formed separate clusters depending on the geochemical constituents in the spring waters suitable for their growth and metabolism. To the best of our knowledge, there are no previous geomicrobiological investigations in these caves and this study is a pioneering culture dependent study of the microbial community with many cultured isolates.

PMID:35842875 | DOI:10.1007/s00203-022-02916-8

Physiother Res Int. 2022 Jul 17:e1967. doi: 10.1002/pri.1967. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The neuromuscular system is responsible for performing adequate muscle activities to maintain postural balance. Since COVID-19 can cause damage to this system, long-term sequelae might alter control of postural stability. This study aimed to evaluate the postural balance of patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) who were not hospitalized and to evaluate the correlations of changes in postural balance with general fatigue, muscle strength, and quality of life (QoL).

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which 40 patients with PCS and 40 controls underwent balance assessment through the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Tinetti Balance Scale (TBS). They were evaluated for general fatigue by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) scale, handgrip strength (HGS), and quality of life (QoL) by the Short Form-36 (SF-36).

RESULTS: When compared to controls, patients with PCS had lower BBS and TBS scores (p = 0.001 for both). The FACIT-F score was lower in PCS patients (p = 0.0001). HGS was slightly lower in the PCS patients, but not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Regarding QoL, PCS patients showed worse evaluations in five dimensions of the SF-36 (physical functioning, physical role limitations, bodily pain, general health perceptions, and mental health). Both the BBS and TBS scores had statistically significant positive correlations with the FACIT-F score, HGS, and two SF-36 dimensions (physical role limitations and emotional role limitations).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PCS show worse postural balance than controls, which is associated with general fatigue, lower HGS, and poor QoL. Postural balance assessment should be considered in the follow-up and rehabilitation of PCS.

PMID:35842844 | DOI:10.1002/pri.1967

J Card Surg. 2022 Jul 17. doi: 10.1111/jocs.16719. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patient prosthesis mismatch is a real problem observed in patients receiving aortic valves too small for their body surface area. This situation is entirely preventable with the apt use of root augmentation procedures. This study aims to evaluate and analyze short-term outcomes in patients who have undergone root enlargement procedures.

METHODS: Fifty-five patients with ages ranging from 11 to 65 years (36.74 ± 13.27), who have undergone root enlargement procedures between January 2009 and January 2019 are recruited for this study. The group comprises 23 males (41.8%) and 32 females (58.2%). Admission and follow-up parameters recorded over a period of 1 year were used for analyzing outcomes. The mean iAVA (aortic valve area indexed to body surface area) of the group was 0.49 ± 0.06 cm² /m² .

RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the indexed aortic valve area after root enlargement surgery from 0.49 ± 0.06 to 1.09 ± 0.19 cm² /m² . The difference was statistically significant (p < .05). St Jude Masters bileaflet prosthesis resulted in the highest iEOA (1.29 ± 0.18 cm² /m² ). TTK Chitra monoleaflet valve was the most commonly used valve in 61.81% of the cohort. At 1 year follow-up, there was a progressive decrease in left ventricle (LV) mass Index and mean gradients resulting in progressive improvement in the New York Heart Association functional class among patients.

CONCLUSION: In experienced hands, root enlargement procedures result in good curative outcomes for patients through effective LV regression and symptom resolution on a short-term basis.

PMID:35842817 | DOI:10.1111/jocs.16719

Neurourol Urodyn. 2022 Jul 17. doi: 10.1002/nau.25007. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence is a common condition in women, who often use incontinence containment products to self-manage. Few studies have sought to quantify use and costs of incontinence products associated with subtypes of incontinence and severity, therefore this study aimed to quantify incontinence product use and personal costs to women.

METHODS: This is a secondary analysis from a sample of adult women recruited electronically via ResearchMatch for a study on urinary symptoms and social determinants of health. Participants completed validated questionnaires on urinary symptoms, and were asked about daily numbers and types of incontinence products used and weekly costs, along with demographic and baseline clinical information, and information about unmet social needs. Descriptive statistics were performed, in addition to Wilcoxon rank sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare incontinence product usage and cost based on type of incontinence, symptom severity, and other demographics, in addition to multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS: A total of 702 women who reported using weekly incontinence products were included in the final analytic sample. Overall, women reported using a mean of 1.8 ± 2.1 incontinence products in 24 h (median: 1, interquartile range [IQR]: 1), with a maximum of 32. Mean weekly cost of was $5.42 ± $8.59 (median: $3, IQR: $4), with cost up to $100. Nonwhite women trended towards having higher product usage and cost, with significant cost increase seen among non-Hispanic Black women and Hispanic women. Usage and cost were higher in women who had less education, had household income below the poverty line, were on disability, were using Medicaid or were uninsured, had more unmet social needs, and in those with mixed incontinence. Additionally, daily product use and weekly costs increased with incontinence symptom severity, with the biggest increase between those with severe and very severe symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we were able to quantify the number of incontinence products used daily and the weekly costs in incontinent women across types and severity of incontinence. Costs were even greater and may be prohibitive, in women with more unmet social needs, Medicaid or no insurance, less than a college education, lower income, or on disability.

PMID:35842824 | DOI:10.1002/nau.25007

J Card Surg. 2022 Jul 17. doi: 10.1111/jocs.16773. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The transaortic Morrow procedure is the current gold standard for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients who are resistant to maximum drug therapy. It is controversial whether concomitant mitral valve intervention is necessary. Only a few centers apply for concomitant anterior mitral leaflet extension with a bovine or autologous pericardial patch to further decrease systolic anterior motion. Our aim is to assess the primeval outcomes of thoracoscopic transmitral myectomy with anterior mitral leaflet extension (TTM-AMLE) in symptomatic HOCM patients.

METHODS: Between April 2019 and November 2020, 18 consecutive HOCM patients who underwent TTM-AMLE were enrolled in this study. Preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up outcomes were compared and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: The mean age was (50.17 ± 6.18) years and 10 (55.56%) were males. 18 (100%) patients had mitral regurgitation preoperatively, and they all successfully underwent TTM-AMLE with a median cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp time of 200.0 (150.8, 232.0), and 127.5 (116.0, 149.0) min, respectively. The median length of ICU stay was 2.7 (1.4, 5.2) days. The interventricular septum thickness was significantly reduced (from 18.03 ± 3.02 mm to 11.91 ± 1.66 mm, p < .001). There was no perioperative mortality, perforation of ventricular septum, or conversion to sternotomy observed. During a median follow-up of 18 months (IQR, 5-24 months), 1 (5.56%) patient had severe mitral regurgitation due to patch detachment and received reoperation. Moderate degree of mitral regurgitation and more than 50 mmHg in left ventricular outflow tract gradient were found in 2 (11.11%), and 1 (5.56%) patients, respectively. 1 (5.56%) patient who had second-degree atrioventricular block received permanent pacemaker implantation postoperatively. Overall, the maximum left ventricular outflow tract gradient (88.50 [59.50, 112.75] mmHg vs. 10.50 [7.00, 15.50] mmHg, p = .002), left ventricular outflow tract velocity (4.70 [3.86, 5.33] m/s vs. 1.60 [1.33, 1.95] m/s, p < .001) and the degree of mitral regurgitation (6.99 ± 4.47 cm² vs. 2.22 ± 1.51 cm² , p = .001) were significantly decreased, with a significant reduction in the proportion of systolic anterior motion (94.44% vs. 16.67%, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS: The TTM-AMLE is a safe and effective surgical approach for selected patients with HOCM. In our series, it provides excellent relief of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, while significantly eliminating mitral regurgitation. The early outcomes of TTM-AMLE are satisfactory, but further studies and longer follow-ups are awaited.

PMID:35842814 | DOI:10.1111/jocs.16773

J Card Surg. 2022 Jul 16. doi: 10.1111/jocs.16774. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Routine use of central venous access is needed in children undergoing open heart surgery for pressure monitoring and inotrope infusion. We sought to evaluate the efficiency and safety of routine use of transthoracic intracardiac lines (ICLs) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and to compare them to patients who have been previously treated with traditional central venous lines (non-ICLs).

METHODS: Retrospective review of charts of all patients who underwent cardiac surgery and had an ICL inserted in the operating room. Case control matching was done with similar patient in which ICL was not inserted. Patients characteristics, diagnosis, operative, and intensive care data were collected for each patient and analyzed.

RESULTS: A total number of 376 patient records were reviewed (198 ICL patients and 178 non-ICL patients). Umbilical line and non-ICL durations were longer in the non-ICL group. ICL duration was the longest of all lines, averaging 12.87 ± 10.82 days. The necessity for multiple line insertions (˃2 insertions) was significantly higher in the non-ICL group, with a relative risk ratio of 3.24 (95% confidence interval: 1.617-6.428). There was no statistical difference of infections rate and line complications between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: ICLs are safe in infants undergoing cardiac surgery and can be kept in place for a long period of time with a low rate of line complications and infection. Routine use of ICLs reduces the number of central venous catheter placement in this complex patient population.

PMID:35842808 | DOI:10.1111/jocs.16774